Emory Report

September 13, 1999

Volume 52, No. 4

Issues in Progress: University Senate President John Boli opened the first Senate meeting of 1999-2000 by introducing the year's theme of "Emory in the World." The theme actually has three variations, Boli explained--Emory in the world, the world in Emory, and "Emory's world"--each reflecting a facet of the University's increasingly global personality. Boli also listed some goals he foresees for the Senate, including nudging the University in a "global," as opposed to "international," direction; enhancing Emory's presence in the media; participating in the planning and development of Emory West; and reevaluating the role of Emory faculty. Provost Rebecca Chopp added that the nature of the year could revolve around navigating through the University's various construction projects. "Consider yourselves ambassadors of peace," she half-jokingly advised Senate members. Chopp cited a number of facts about Emory's incoming students, and she also gave updates on three searches: deans for the graduate and theology schools, and a new vice-provost for international affairs following the retirement of Marion Creekmore. Gary Hauk informed the Senate of the status of certain resolutions passed last year. The administration declined to implement a recommendation to extend matching retirement benefits to employees age 21-25, he said, because the projected $500,000 to do it would involve "academic tradeoffs that are too costly." He also said a committee, chaired by Campus Life Dean Frances Lucas-Tauchar, will examine the issue of improved childcare facilities brought to the administration's attention by several groups, including the Senate. A major drawback for any new facility is the current lack of a funding plan. Boli invited committee chairs to introduce themselves and present their rosters for approval by the Senate. President Bill Chace discussed Emory's relationship with Grady Hospital, referring specifically to a letter recently circulated on campus from the "Grady Coalition," taking the University to task for what the group called violations of Emory's contract with the Fulton/DeKalb Hospital Authority. Chace said he would make the letter available to any who wish to read it, and he said a response to the letter will come from the office of Michael Johns, executive vice president for health affairs and CEO of Emory Healthcare. "Emory is a mainstay and permanent guarantor of the wellbeing of the indigent at Grady," Chace said. "If there is one thing Emory has done in the last 60 years as far as community involvement, it is maintain its relationship with Grady Hospital." Boli announced that Robin Blaetz, elected in the spring as Senate secretary for '99-'00, has resigned her post. Elections for a new secretary will be held in October, and Frank Vandall will serve in the interim. The Senate elected Matt Maron, Student Government Association president, and graduate student Beth Corrie as representatives to the executive committee. At Boli's invitation, Creekmore spoke on Emory's internationalization efforts. The University is entering "phase two" of its plan, after having accomplished four goals set for phase one that included expanding study abroad programs and existing international programs on campus, intensifying cooperation with The Carter Center, CDC and other Atlanta organizations, and publicizing Emory's internationalization goals in hopes of raising funds. Creekmore said the Office of International Affairs will continue to recommend schools support their own individual international efforts, while University funds are reserved for programs that cut across school boundaries. The Halle Institute for Global Learning hopes to establish a forum for public policy, Creekmore said, as well as collaborate with other Emory and Atlanta organizations on international programs. Finally, he said, he hopes to hold more student international festivals like the "Emory at Home in the World" celebration last March. Boli adjourned the meeting with his newly purchased, "unofficial but offical" University Senate gavel. The next meeting will be Oct. 26 at 3:15 p.m. in the School of Public Health. -Michael Terrazas Return to September 13, 1999 contents page